Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter
A LEED Platinum EcoCenter and expansive preserve offering wildlife viewing, educational programs, and outdoor recreation year-round.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A LEED Platinum EcoCenter and expansive preserve offering wildlife viewing, educational programs, and outdoor recreation year-round.
"A fantastic place with beautiful scenery and great educational exhibits for the whole family."
🎒 Grab a Discovery Bag
Pick up free binoculars and discovery bags at the EcoCenter for enhanced exploration.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be muddy or snowy; sturdy footwear is recommended for all seasons.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
EcoCenter Exploration
Swaner EcoCenter
Discover LEED Platinum-certified architecture and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Boardwalk & Observation Tower
Swaner Preserve Trails
Stroll the boardwalk for marsh views and ascend the tower for panoramic wildlife spotting.
Wildlife Viewing
Swaner Preserve
Spot Sandhill cranes, deer, elk, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat.
Seasonal Activities
Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter
Enjoy snowshoeing, volunteer weed pulls, and temporary exhibits like mini-golf.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors, Rain or Shine
Plan for Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Grab a Discovery Bag
Pick up free binoculars and discovery bags at the EcoCenter for enhanced exploration.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be muddy or snowy; sturdy footwear is recommended for all seasons.
🌬️ Dress in Layers
Park City weather is unpredictable; layers are key for comfort on the trails.
🚗 Park Smart
Deer silhouettes on SR 224 help drivers be aware of wildlife crossings near the preserve.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Grab a Discovery Bag
Pick up free binoculars and discovery bags at the EcoCenter for enhanced exploration.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be muddy or snowy; sturdy footwear is recommended for all seasons.
🌬️ Dress in Layers
Park City weather is unpredictable; layers are key for comfort on the trails.
🚗 Park Smart
Deer silhouettes on SR 224 help drivers be aware of wildlife crossings near the preserve.
💰 Mini Golf Fun
Enjoy the temporary 9-hole environmental mini-golf exhibit for $7 per person.
❄️ Snowshoe Rentals
Rent snowshoes for $5/person to explore the preserve in winter.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter is widely praised as an educational and relaxing destination, particularly for families. Visitors appreciate the LEED Platinum-certified EcoCenter's interactive exhibits and the beautiful, accessible trails offering abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The friendly staff and affordable activities like snowshoe rentals add to its appeal.
"A beacon for environmental education. At its heart lies a 10,000 sq ft Leed Platinum-certified EcoCenter, an architectural and sustainability marvel that houses interactive displays, summer camps, nature exhibits, and educational programs for both children and adults.
Both the visitor center and the trails are highly recommended!"
Greta Pontarelli
"This center is great for kids. There were so many activities for them to learn from. Also available hikes and nature observing opportunities. Come here with your kids and check it out!"
Michael Krier
"My family stopped on our E-Bike ride to have lunch and stumbled upon the Preserve. What a fantastic place! Bri was so helpful and provided good information. Beautiful scenery and great educational exhibits."
Ann Claybrook
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter is about a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City through the mountains. Take I-80 East towards Park City and follow signs for Swaner Preserve.
Yes, there is parking available at the EcoCenter. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak seasons or events, to secure a spot.
While direct public transport to the preserve might be limited, Park City offers local bus services. Check the Park City transit schedule for routes that may get you close to the area.
Drivers should be aware of potential wildlife crossings, especially deer and elk. Deer silhouettes have been placed on SR 224 to increase driver awareness.
Maps are available at the visitor's center. The preserve offers both paved trails and boardwalks, as well as more rugged paths for those seeking a deeper nature immersion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the trails and observation tower is generally free. However, special exhibits like the mini-golf may have a fee, typically around $7 per person.
Operating hours can vary by season and for special events. It's best to check the official Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter website for the most up-to-date information on hours and exhibit availability.
The EcoCenter itself often has free admission, focusing on educational outreach. However, temporary exhibits or specific programs might incur a fee.
Yes, you can obtain a key at the visitor's center to walk farther into the preserve, allowing access to more remote areas and trails.
While specific discount days aren't always advertised, keeping an eye on their social media and website for special event announcements is recommended. Volunteer opportunities can also offer unique access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spot a variety of wildlife, including Sandhill cranes, deer, elk, ground squirrels, ducks, and many bird species. Beaver dams have also been observed.
While formal guided tours might not always be scheduled, the staff at the EcoCenter are friendly and informative, often providing insights and scavenger hunts for walks.
The half-mile walk right outside the center is a fun and accessible option for a shorter nature interaction. The boardwalk and observation tower offer great views with minimal walking.
Absolutely! The EcoCenter has many interactive activities for kids, and the shorter trails are manageable. Scavenger hunts can keep them engaged.
Yes, snowshoes can be rented for a small fee during winter months. Binoculars are also available to borrow from the EcoCenter to enhance wildlife viewing. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The EcoCenter has restrooms and a gift shop, but no dedicated dining facilities. Visitors often bring their own lunches to enjoy on the trails or at designated picnic spots.
The preserve is located near the Newpark Resort area, which offers various dining options. Park City's main street also has numerous restaurants and cafes.
Picnicking is a popular activity. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and enjoy the natural surroundings. Remember to pack out all trash.
Currently, there isn't a cafe or snack bar within the EcoCenter. It's advisable to bring snacks and drinks with you if you plan to spend an extended period exploring.
Some accommodations and restaurants in the Newpark area offer views that overlook the Swaner Preserve, providing a scenic dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation tower offers stunning panoramic views, ideal for landscape photography. The boardwalk provides unique angles of the marsh and its inhabitants.
Swaner Preserve is excellent for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Early mornings and evenings are best for spotting cranes, deer, and various bird species.
Generally, drone usage is restricted in natural preserves to protect wildlife and maintain a peaceful environment. It's best to check the specific regulations with the EcoCenter.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography, enhancing the natural beauty of the preserve.
Look for Sandhill cranes, especially during nesting season, elk in the meadows, and the diverse birdlife along the boardwalk. The architectural design of the EcoCenter also makes for interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the center, the boardwalk and paved trails are easy for little legs to navigate. Borrowing binoculars from the EcoCenter can turn a simple walk into an exciting wildlife spotting adventure. Consider visiting during a special event, like the temporary mini-golf exhibit, for added family fun.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
While some special exhibits like the mini-golf have a small fee (around $7), activities like borrowing binoculars or renting snowshoes in winter are very affordable. Packing a picnic lunch is also a great way to save money and enjoy the scenery.
+1🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by the abundance of birdlife, deer, and the chance to see Sandhill cranes. Consider visiting during the early morning or late evening for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. In winter, snowshoeing provides a unique way to experience the preserve's tranquility.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The EcoCenter: A Model of Sustainability
This center is more than just a building; it's a hub for environmental education. It hosts summer camps, workshops, and programs designed to connect people, especially children, with nature. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment, encouraging responsible stewardship of our planet.
Visitors often praise the EcoCenter for its engaging displays and the friendly, knowledgeable staff who enhance the learning experience. It's a place where learning about sustainability is both fun and inspiring, making it a must-visit for families and eco-conscious travelers.
Exploring the Swaner Preserve Trails
Beyond the boardwalk, a paved trail circles the preserve, offering a pleasant walk or bike ride with expansive views. For those seeking a more rugged adventure, unpaved paths lead deeper into the natural habitat. During winter, the preserve transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, with rentals available at the EcoCenter.
Real visitors highlight the relaxing nature of these walks and the abundance of wildlife sightings, from cranes and ducks to ground squirrels and fish. The staff's helpfulness in providing maps and keys to access further trails ensures visitors can make the most of their exploration.
Wildlife Encounters at Swaner
Beyond the cranes, keep an eye out for deer and elk roaming the meadows, particularly in areas near Glenwild and Silver Creek. The wetlands are teeming with various bird species, waterfowl, and even signs of beaver activity, such as dams. The EcoCenter's discovery bags and binoculars can greatly enhance your ability to spot and identify these creatures.
To ensure the safety of both wildlife and visitors, it's important to maintain a respectful distance and never feed the animals. The presence of deer silhouettes on nearby roads serves as a reminder to drive cautiously and be aware of wildlife crossing zones.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit